School heads have raised concerns over the delay of Ksh15 billion capitation money, stating that it may affect their ability to administer the forthcoming national examinations.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha made the announcement in early March 2021, that schools would receive Ksh15 billion capitation money.
Secondary school principals state that they have been unable to acquire chemicals that will be used in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) practical exams.
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File image of candidates sitting for past KCSE exams. |Photo| Courtesy|
The school heads also highlight the ability to clear pending bills and feed candidates as another challenge resulting from the delay in disbursement of the money.
"Some schools had to close earlier than expected because they could not sustain all the children," Chairman of the Kenya School Heads Association Kahi Indimuli stated.
Ministry of Education Principal Secretary Julius Jwan on March 22, 2021, revealed that the National Treasury had released Ksh7.5 billion which will be disbursed to the schools.
This will come as a relief to the school heads and solve the looming national examinations headache.
Magoha had stated that the funds would be used to offset pending bills and facilitate smooth administration of the national examinations.
1,088,986 candidates began their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams yesterday, whereas 700,000 candidates will sit for the KCSE exams starting Monday, next week.
The new revised timetable indicates that the KCSE candidates will have their rehearsals on Friday, March 26.
Principals who spoke to a local daily revealed that the delay had frustrated their ability to buy chemicals and laboratory apparatus for the practical exams.
Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) sends a list of chemicals to be bought by schools ahead of the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics national exam practicals.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha inspects a class with learners. |Photo| Courtesy|
